ILD 2241 
H62 H6 
Copy 1 



^^mm 



u 



i>(\ 

v.^^ 



% 



*> 



^ 



i> 



HIRAM COLLEGE. 

PREPARED FOR THE 

* ^^CENTEISNIAL HISTOEY OF EDUCATION IX OHIO." 



V 

BY B. A. HINSDALE, PRESIDENT. 




Hiram College is located at Hiram, Portag^'C^orL^ity, Ohib; 
three and one half miles from Garret tsville, on the 'Af & O. W. 
Eailway. The following sketch of its history will be divided 
into appropriate heads. 

1.— FOUNDING OF THE ECLECTIC INSTITUTE. 

This Institute, like so many other educational foundations, 
had its origin in a religious movement. Between 1820 and 1830 
the body of Christians called The Disciples, sometimes simply 
Chkistians, had its rise. As the body did not originate in any 
striking historical event, as a secession or an excision, but in 
general religious conditions, it is impossible to assign a def 
inite date. From the first, this movement took a strong hold 
of Northern Ohio, and especially of the Western Eeserve,. 
where its following soon became large. At first the Disci- 
ples had no school of any sort, Bethany College, Bethany^ 
W. Va., founded in 1841, being their oldest institution. As 
early as 1844-5, some of the Disciples of the Eeserve began 
to feel that they needed an institution of learning under 
their immediate control ; which feeling rapidly became general 
and grew into a confessed want. Nothing, however, was done 
to supply the want until the year 1849. In the intervening years 
there had been a thorough discussion of the project, and a sub- 
stantial unanimity had been reached ; as is shown by the rapid- 



ity of the movement when once practical steps began to be 
taken. The first of these steps was taken by an informal meet- 
ing of representatiye men from several churches, held in Russell, 
Geauga County, June 12, 1849. This meeting was called at the 
suggestion of A. L. Soule, Esq., who was prominently connected 
with the enterprises of the Disciples in Ohio a quarter of a cen- 
tury ago. The proposition to establish a school was unani- 
mously approved, and the secretary of the meeting was instructed 
to call, in its name, a convention of Church delegates, at which 
the views of a larger number of people might be ascertained. 
Such a convention was held in Bloomfield, Trumbull County, in 
August of the same year, when the pi'oposition was again ap- 
proved and a call issued for a second delegate convention, to be 
held in Ravenna' in October. In Ravenna aims and plans were 
discussed. Some were in favor of establishing a college ; others 
favored a school of high but not of collegiate rank. After dis- 
cussion, the latter view prevailed, all the delegates acquiescing 
in the final decision. A third delegate convention, held in 
Aurora, November 7, located the school at Hiram. This was 
after a spirited contest, Russell having ten votes to Hiram's 
seventeen on the last ballot. A fourth delegate meeting was 
held in Hiram, December 20, when a provisional board was 
elected and other necessary action taken. The Legislature, by 
special act, March 1, 1850, granted a charter which had been 
drawn up by Charles Brown, A. S. Hayden, and Isaac Errett, 
assisted by Judge Leicester King, of Warren. May 7 following, 
the Board of Trustees organized under this charter. The same 
summer, near but a little south of the crest of the water- 
shed dividing the waters of the Lake from those of the Ohio, in 
the middle of an eight-acre enclosure that has since become one 
of the most beautiful campuses in the State, as it is by nature 
one of the most commanding, a substantial, commodious, and 
beautiful building, three stories high, with a front of eighty- 
four feet and a depth of sixty-four, was erected. In this build- 
ing, ISTovember 27, 1850, the new school went into operation. 
It was called The Westeen" Reserye Eclectic Institute. 
Isaac Errett, then pastor of the Disciples' Church in Warren, 
suggested the name. The leading promoters of the enterprise 



were Adamson Bentley, Wm. Hayden, A. S. Hayden, A. L. 
Soule, Ebenezer Williams, W. A. Belding, A. B. Green, J. P. 
Eobison, G-eorge Pow, Isaac Errett, Charles Brown, Symonds 
Eyder, Alvali Udall, Aaron Davis, J. H. Jones, Leicester King, 
E. B. Yioll, M. J. Streator, Myron Soule, Benjamin Sonle, W. 
A. Lillie, Zeb Kudolpli, Anson Matthews, Alanson Baldwin, Wm. 
Eichards, B. F. Perkey, J. A. Ford, Carnot Mason, and Kim- 
ball Porter. Most of these men were members of the Disciples' 
Church, fully one half being ministers. All of them were well 
known in Northern Ohio, and many of them had a much 
wider celebrity. Funds to purchase the grounds and build the 
buildino- were obtained by indiyidual and church subscriptions. 
At this distance it is impossible to tell what the first cost of 
the grounds, building, and furniture was. The Eclectic Insti- 
tute was built by a popular movement, and there were no donors 
to the funds in such amounts as to entitle them to particular 
mention. The heal thfuln ess of the locality, the morality and 
liberality of the community, and 'the existence there of a flour- 
ishing church, appear to have been the decisive considerations 
in locating the school at Hiram. At that time, it should be 
added, the railroad system of Ohio did not exist in fancy, much 
less in fact. 

2.— AIMS OF THE INSTITUTE.— THE CHARTEE. 

The aims of the School were both general and special ; more 
narrowly they were these : 

(1) To provide a sound scientific and literary education. 

(2) To temper and sweeten such education with moral and 
scriptural knowledge. 

(3) To educate young men for the ministry. 

One peculiar tenet of the religious movement in which it 
originated, was impressed upon the Eclectic Institute at its or- 
ganization. The Disciples believed that the Bible had been in a 
degree obscured by theological speculations and ecclesiastical sys- 
tems. Hence, their religious movement was a revolt from the 
theology of the schools, and an overture to men to come face to 
face with the Scriptures. They believed, also, that to the Holy 



"Writings belonged a larger place in general culture than had yet 
been accorded to them. Accordingly, in all their educational in- 
stitutions they haye emphasized the Bible and its related branches 
of knowledge. This may be called the distinctiye feature of their 
schools. The charter of the Eclectic Institute therefore de- 
clared the purpose of the institution to be : '^The instruction 
of youth of both sexes in the various branches of literature and 
science, especially of moral science as based on the facts and 
precepts of the Holy Scriptures." What this special aim was, 
and how it has been realized, will be more fully stated under 
another head. Here follows an outline description of the ma- 
chinery proyided by the charter for carrying forward the work 
proposed. 

The Act of Incorporation consists of seven sections. The 
first created George Pow, Samuel Church, Aaron Davis, Isaac 
Errett, Carnot Mason, Zeb Rudolph, Symonds Ryder, J. A. 
Eord, Kimball Porter, William Hay den, Erederick Williams, and 
A. S. 'H.a.jden, a body corporate and politic, by the name and 
style of the Western Reserve Eclectic Institute, to be located in 
Hiram. It further invested these corporators with the power of 
perpetual succession, and limited the capital stock of the 
corporation to 150,000, to be divided into shares of $25.00 
each, and to be used for no purpose other than education. 
Section second clothed the corporation with the usual powers in 
respect to buying, selling, and holding property. The third 
declared that the corporate concerns of said Institute should be 
managed by a Board of Trustees of not less than nine nor more 
than twelve men, any five of whom shall constitute a quorum; 
and invested them with the power to fill vacancies, to appoint 
the customary Board officers, to select teachers, and to exercise 
a general management over the affairs of the Institution. 
Section fourth provided that the President of the Board shall 
execute all contracts and seal them with the cor2')orate seal. 
Section fifth provided for the election by the stockholders of a 
Board of Trustees so soon as 17,000 was subscribed to the 
capital stock, limiting the electoral power of the stockholders 
by this provision: ^^ Provided that no stockholder shall have 
more than four votes for 1100, six votes for $200, seven votes for 



1300, and eight votes for $400 or more." It provided, also, that no 
one should vote on stock not paid up. One third of the Board, 
after the first election, were to be elected each year. The sixth 
section provided for annual meetings of the stockholders to 
elect trustees, but said a failure to elect should not work the 
dissolution of the corporation. The last section gave the Board 
power to make by-laws for the government of the Institution, 
and to prescribe the mode of transferring the stock. As it is 
an open question how College Boards of Trustees should be 
elected, it is proper to add that, in Hiram, the stockholders' 
plan has always worked well. 

3.— THE ECLECTIC INSTITUTE AT WORK. 

The Board of Trustees, July 17, I80O, chose A. S. Hayden, a 
preacher of culture, who had been connected with all 
the preliminary movements. Principal of the Institute. His 
principal associate in the faculty, at first, was Thomas Munnell, 
an alumnus of Bethany College, since more widely known as a 
preacher and the Secretary of the G-eneral Missionary Society of 
the Disciples. More help being needed, Mr. C. D. Wilber, since 
well known in the West as a geologist, and Miss Almeda A. 
Booth,* well known in Ohio as an elegant scholar and an accom- 
plished teacher, were called to the assistance of Mr. Hayden and 
Mr. Munnell. Mr. Hayden taught Moral Philosophy and Sacred 
History; Mr. Munnell, Ancient Languages and History; Mr. 
Wilber, Natural Sciences; Miss Booth, English Studies at first, 
later, both Mathematics and Laaguages. In the Fall of 1851, 
Mr. Norman Dunshee, an alumnus of Western Eeserve College 
now Professor of Mathematics in Oskaloosa College, Iowa, was 
called as teacher of Mathematics and Modern Languages. 
Changes in the corj)s of instructors were somewhat frequent. 

*Since the above words were written, this estimable lady and accomplished 
teacher has passed to her reward. She came to Hiram in the spring of 1851, 
and remained in active service, except one year spent in Oberlin College, until 
Commencement, 1866 — in all, forty-three terms. She came to Hiram as a teacher 
of English Studies, but soon became Principal of the Ladies' Department. She 
excelled in teaching English Studies, and also Languages and Mathematics. 
Her power over students was very great, and her death is lamented by thousands. 
After leaving Hiram, she served several years in the public schools of Cuyahoga 
Falls. It is no exaggeration to say that in Northern Ohio no lady teacher has 
surpassed Miss Booth, taking into account length of service, number of pupils 
taught, uniform success, and strength of personal iufluence. 



In the catalogue for the yeai 1852-3, appear the names of 
Amaziah Hull, now Professor of Languages in Oskaloosa College, 
and J. A. Garfield, since so well known in the military and 
political service of the country; the first as teacher of Mathe- 
matics and Sciences, the second as teacher of English Studies and 
Ancient Languages. S. S. Hillier, now an attorney in 'New 
York, appears in two or three early catalogues. A little later, 
the names of H. W. Everest, now Professor of Natural History 
in Kentucky University, Lexington, Ky., and J. H. Ehodes, 
now an attorney in Cleveland, both prominent teachers, appear; 
the first in the department of Mathematics and Science, the 
second as a teacher of Mathematics and Languages, as well as of 
English branches. The names of other teachers whose work 
need not be described, since they were less permanent, scattered 
through seventeen years, are Mrs. Phoebe Drake, Laura A. 
Clark, Oalista 0. Carlton, Sarah Udall, and J. B. Crane. Other 
instructors who served for a brief period or in subordinate 
positions, are passed by for want of space. Provision was made 
for teaching Music, Drawing, and Penmanship. J. W. Lusk 
and the Spencers, father and sons, were for many years em- 
ployed as teachers of penmanship. The learned T. E. Suliot 
served as an instructor for a time. In 1857, Mr. Hayden resigned 
the Principalship, and was succeeded by J. A. Garfield. The 
Institution, which had been very prosperous under Mr. Hayden's 
administration, now reached a still higher degree of prospeiity. 
Mr. G arfield won a wide popularity as a teacher, manager, and 
lecturer on general and scientific topics. His active connection 
with the School ceased in 1861, though his name remained on 
the catalogue as acting or advising Principal three or four years 
linger. Erom 1861 to the organization of the college, there 
were frequent changes in the head of the School. H. W. Everest, 
C. W. Heywood, A. J. Thomson, and J. M. Atwater served for 
brief periods. After the School was fairly under way, most of the 
teachers were chosen froru among those who had studied within 
its walls. Some of the instructors took high rank as teachers; 
a smaller number, a higher rank in other callings. The tuition 
receipts were the only funds available to pay instructors. As 
might be supposed, salaries were so small as to be almost insig- 



nificaiit, and teaching was largely a labor of love. This fact 
goes a good ways towards explaining the frequent changes 
mentioned above. At the same time, all of the most prominent 
teachers remained a number of years, becoming completely identi- 
fied with the School and doing an amount of excellent teaching 
in the spirit of self-sacrifice that has never been properly appre- 
ciated but by the few. 

The Institute rose at once to a high degree of popularity. 
On the opening day, eighty-four students were in attendance, 
and soon the number rose to two or three hundred per term. 
Students came from a wide region of country. Ohio furnished 
the larger number, but there was a liberal patronage from Cana- 
da, New York, and Pennsylvania; a considerable number came 
from the Southern States, and a still larger from the Western. 
These students differed widely in age, ability, culture, and wants. 
Some received G-rammar School instruction; Others High School 
instruction; while others still pushed on far into the regular 
College course. Classes were organized and taught in the 
collegiate studies as they were called for ; Languages, Mathe- 
matics, Literature, Science, Philosophy, and History. J^o de- 
grees were conferred, and no students were graduated. After 
they had mastered the English studies, students were allowed a 
wide range of choice. The principle of election had free course. 
A course of study was published in the catalogue after the first 
year or two; but it was rather a list of studies taught as they 
were called for than a curriculum that students pretended 
closely to follow. Leave is taken of the Eclectic Institute with 
the remark, that it soon won and continued to hold a first place 
among Ohio schools of similar rank. 

4.— OKGANIZATION AND WOKK OF THE COLLEGE. 

In the first part of this sketch, it has been stated that some of 
the founders of the Institution were in favor of establishing a 
college in the beginning. The proposition to re-organize it as a 
college was considered from time to time, until the Board decid- 
ed to take that step. Acting under the statute of April 8, 1856, 
which empowers seminaries of learning incorporated by general 
law or special act to change their name and become colleges. 



■and after such change to confer the usual college degrees, the 
Board February 30, 1867, changed the name of the Eclectic 
Institute, and clothed it with collegiate powers and responsibili- 
ties As H h^^ ^^^^^^ ^^j^^jy ^^^ fo,-orably known as the 
■seat ot the Institute, the name now chosen was Hiram Oolleo-e 
It was believed that this action would add do the usefulness and 
mflnenoe of the School, and that a stronger financial basis 
could be secured thereby. Both of these expectations have been 
met June 19 1873, the Board, in pursuance of tlie statute for 
such cases made and provided, increased the number of trustees 
to twenty-four. Except the action of February 20, 1867 and 
June 19, 1873, the original Act of Incorpora ion has not 'been 
changed. It should be added that a convention of friends of the 
Institution, held in Hiram, June 13, 1867, endorsed the action 
by which It was made a college. The College began its work 
August 31, 1867. 

Instructors. 
Dr. Silas E. Shepard, A. M., ^yell known as scholar and 
writer, now of Troy, Pa., was the first President. He resio-ned 
at the close of one year. J. M. Atwater, A. M., Professo'^r of 
the Ancient Languages under President Shepard, now pastor of 
the Disciples' Church at Worcester, Mass. , succeeded him After 
two years service he resigned. The present President entered 
on the duties of the office with the beginning of the College year 
1870-71. He had previously taught several years in the Eclectic 
Institute, and had served one year in the College as Professor of 
History, Literature, and Political Science. A. M. Weston, A 
M., since President .of Eureka College, 111., was Professor of 
Mathematics in the years 1S67 and '68. J. C. Cannon, A. M., was 
the Professor of the Ancient Languages for the year 1869. Amzi 
Atwater, A. M., had served in the same capacity for the year 1868. 
L N. Demmon, A. M., now the Principal of the Ann Arbor High 
School, held the same position with great acceptance in the years 
1870 and '71. W. S. Atkinson, A. M., was the efficient Profes- 
sor of Mathematics and Astronomy from 1870 to 1875 inclusive. 
Mr. 0. C. Hill, now a member of the Senior Class of Williams 
College, Mass., was several years honorably connected with the 



9 

College as Principal of the Commercial Department. Misses 
L. M. Sackett and C. C. Munson, as well as Mr. E. B. Wake- 
field, liaye all rendered valuable services. Hon. T. W. Harvey 
and Capt. Wm. Mitchell have given normal instruction. At 
present the Faculty is organized as follows : 

B. A. Hi]S^SDALE, A. M. — President, and Professor of Philos- 
ophy, History, and Biblical Literature. 

G-. E. Barber, A. M. — Professor of the Greek and Latin Lan- 
guages and Literatures. 

Gr. H. CoLTOJ^, M. S. — Professor of Natural Science. 

Colma:n' Bancroft, M. S. — Professor of Mathematics and 
Astronomy. 

A. J. Squire, M. D. — Lecturer on Chemistry and Philosophy. 

Mrs. Marietta Cuscade^^. — Principal of the Ladies' Depart- 
ment. 

Mr^. Mary E. Hinsdale. — Teacher of G-erman. 

Mrs. J. C. Ellis. — Teacher of Listrumental Music. 

Mrs. p. B. Clapp. — Teacher of Penmanship.* 

Studies. 

The change in the name and rank of the Institution did not 
essentially change its aims and spirit. The work formerly done 
has gone on all the same. It was the addition of a College 
department to an academical and preparatory school. The 
announcement put forth in 1867 declared the aim of the College 
to be, " to furnish a course of training as thorough as any in 
the country;" " to bestow careful attention upon the classical 
languages;" and especially, '' to give a fuller course tlian is corn- 
mon in those tranches ivhich are modern and national^ The last 
clause is emphasized because it describes a distinctive feature of 
the College. More than ordinary attention is paid to Historical 
and Political studies, particularly to those that bear upon the 
duties and rights of the American Citizen. 

Like most Oliio colleges, Hiram prepares most of her candidates 
for admission to her regular classes. The preparatory course to 
the Classical Course is divided into two years of three terms each. 
To enter the Junior Preparatory Class, students must have 
finished the common Enalish branches and have studied Latin 



10 



two terms. The studies of the Preparatory Department are 



shown in the following table 

JUNIOR. 

Latin Keader, 
Latin Composition, 
First Greek Book, 
Science of Government. 



Caesar, 

Latin Composition, 

First Greek Book, 

History of the United States, 

Elocution. 

Sallust, 

Latin Composition, 

Xenophon's Anabasis, 

Greek Composition, 

Ehetoric. 



SENIOR. 

Cicero's Orations, 
Latin Composition, 
Xenophon's Anabasis, 
Greek Composition, 
Algebra. 

Virgil, 

Xenophon's Anabasis, 
Greek Composition, 
Algebra. 

Virgil, 

Plato's Apology, 

Algebra. 



The studies of the Classical Course are shown in this table 



FRESHMAN. 

Livy, 

Homer's Iliad, 
Geometry. 

Horace's Odes and Epodes, 
Demosthenes De Corona, 
Geometry, 
Conic Sections. 

Tacitus, 
Botany, 
Trigonometry. 



JUNIOR. 

Physics, 

Logic, 

English Literature. 

Physics, 

Rhetoric, 

Chemistry. 

Astronomy, 

Anatomy and Physiology, 
Constitution of the United States, 
Genuineness and Authenticity of the 
Gospels. 



SOPHOMORE. 

Surveying, 

American Political History, 

Cicero De Senectute, 

German. 

General Geometry and Differential Cal- 
culus, 
Outlines of History, 
German. 



SENIOR. 

Intellectual Science, 
History of Philosophy, 
Kames' Elements of Criticism, 
French. 

Butler's Analogy, 
Political Economy, 
French Reader, 
Geology. 



11 

SOPHOMORE. SENIOR. 

Zoology, Moral Philosophy, 

Antigone, French Literature, 

German Reader. Petite Histoire du Peuple Frangais, 

History of Civilization, 

The Latin and Scientific Course, of five years including the 
preparatory year, differs from the Classical in these features: it 
adds Integral Calculus to the Mathemathics, subtracts two terms 
from the Latin, and omits all the Greek. The Scientific Course 
contains the same Mathematics as the Latin and Scientific, but 
neither Greek nor Latin. T^he Ladies' Course, of four years, 
contains six terms of Latin, and with the omission of the Greek, 
and two terms of Mathematics, does not otherwise vary from the 
Classical Course. Besides, there is a Teachers' Course of two 
years, and a Commercial Course of one year. Instruction still 
more elementary than is found in any of. these Courses is fur- 
nished to those who need it. Considerable attention is paid to 
Normal Instruction. There are exercises in Composition, Decla- 
mation, and Elocution throughout the Courses. Frequent lec- 
tures are delivered in the Chapel to the w^iole body of students, 
on literar}^, scientific, and educational topics, as well as on 
general subjects of passing interest. Instruction is also given 
in Instrumental Music. 

Degrees and Diinlomas. 

The degree of Bachelor of Arts is conferred upon Students 
who complete the Classical Course, and pass the examinations in 
the same. 

The degree of Bachelor of Philosophy is conferred upon 
Students who complete the Latin and Scientific Course, and 
pass the examinations. 

The degree of Bachelor of Science is conferred upon Students 
who complete the Scientific Course, and pass the prescribed 
examinations. 

The degrees of Master of Arts, Master of Philosophy, and 
Master of Science are conferred, respectively, upon Bache- 
lors of Arts, Bachelors of Philosophy, and Bachelors of Science, 
of three years' standing, who shall have been engaged during 
that period in professional, literary, or scientific pursuits. 



12 

Diplomas are presented to all who complete any of the other 
Courses in the Institution, viz : Biblical, Ladies', Teachers', or 
Commercial. 

STUDENTS CLASSIFIED. 







Undergraduates. 




























Year. 


O 


)i 








OQ 


Students in all 
Grades. 




< 
< 

Pm 


W 

93 


O 

o 

w 

o 


K 
O 

D 

•-3 


m 

M 
O 

M 

OQ 


■< 
P 
P 




1868 


19 


13 


10 


5 


— 


— 


308 


1869 


13 


20 


9 


4 


3 


3 


277 


1870 


8 


14 


19 


7 


2 


2 


278 


1871 


8 


13 


12 


10 


9 


9 


267 


1872 


6 


20 


4 


9 


8 


8 


302 


1873 


7 


7 


15 


2 


10 


10 


286 


1874 


10 


9 


3 


10 


4 


3 


235 


1875 


11 


13 


10 


— 


7 


7 


233 



The Alumni, now forty-one in number, are mostly following 
professional pursuits : the Law, the Ministry, or teaching. 



LITEEARY SOCIETIES 











« 


» 




p 

53 


w 




P9 30 


« 


• 


When Foundi 


o 
■< 

M 

s 

$ .50 


Annual Dues 


Present Num 
OP Member 




Olive Branch, (Ladies' Society.) 


; 1853 

1 


$1.50 


19 


502 


Delphic 


1854 
1855 


1.00 
1.00 


1.50 
1.50 


21 
29 


521 


Hesperian 


474 







13 

A Young Men's Christian Asssociafcion was organized in 1868 
— Annual Dues, 11.50. This Association supports a weekly 
Students' Prayer Meeting, and maintains a Library and Eeading 
Room. It also provides for a yearly course of Public Lectures. 
Its total membership is one hundred and seven; the present, 
thirteen. 

Mention should also be made of the Arion Society, organized 
in 1874, devoted to the cultivation of Music. 

LIBKAEIES. 









^ 








o 






u 


« 




G 


o«j 


S ^ 




^ S 


^ « 


B H 




H 5 


g S 


S g 




H S 


S P 


P P 




*^ o 


?0 




f=4 


Pt>- 


O 


College 


1854 


850 




Delphic 


1857 
1859 
1869 


790 
617 
271 




Hesperlins 




Y M C ASSOCLA-TION 


2,528 







The greater number of these volumes are of recent works, and 
they are in good condition. 

Property. — Endowments. 

The building first erected has thus far answered the demands 
of the College. Originally of excellent construction, it is still 
in good condition. The grounds are also in good and tasteful 
order. There is a felt want of a Ladies' Hall, but if an effort 
now being made to raise the necessary funds is successful, this 
want will be supplied. A handsome beginning towards an en- 
dowment fund has been made. Two gentlemen deserve honor- 
able mention as donors to this fund ; Robert Kerr, of Marion, 
Ohio, who has endowed a Chair of Historical and Natural 
Science, and George A. Baker, of Cleveland, Ohio, who has 
endowed the Chair of Mathematics and Astronomy. Also the 



14 

citizens of Hiram, who have endowed the President's Chair. 
A small but well selected and arranged museum should be men- 
tioned. 

The Building, Grounds, Apparatus, &c., are worth $25,000 

The Endowments reach 65,000 

Although the corporation is a common stock company, only a 
small part of its property is represented by stock ; say one- 
fifth. 

The College Year contains forty weeks, and is divided into 
three terms. Tuition in College studies is 130.00 per year. A 
scholarship calling for eight years' tuition is sold for IIOO.OC. 
But few, however, have thus far been sold. 

5.— SUMMAEY. 

The rapid rise of the Eclectic Institute to popularity has 
been already remarked upon. In twenty-five years the Institute 
enrolled, counting by years, nine thousand students. How 
many difl:erent students have studied for longer or shorter 
periods in Hiram, can not be ascertained without too much 
labor ; but it is safe to say from five thousand to six thousand. 
Some of these remained only one or two terms ; many from two 
to four years ; while some have completed a course of study. 
The Eclectic Institute was a favorite training-school for Col- 
lege. Many of those who prepared here carried on their studies 
to the second and third, some to the fourth, year of the College 
course. A large number of students, without taking a com- 
plete course anywhere, have fitted themselves in Hiram for 
professional life. Notably is this true of school teachers. Many 
hundreds of excellent teachers have been sent to the army of 
educators. For more than twenty years a large number of 
schools, public, private, and academical, have been manned, in 
whole or in part, by Hiram-trained teachers. 

The special aims set forth in this history have been fully 
realized. Hiram was never intended to be a school of special 
training, and has never been a Biblical or Theological Semi- 
nary. Still a large number of preachers have hero been trained. 
Numerous are the positions of usefulness and responsibility 
occupied by this class of men. Special instruction in Biblical 



15 

studies has always been furnished to those desiring it. The 
agencies employed are text-book instruction, Chapel lectures, 
and special courses of lectures delivered by members of the 
Faculty or by lecturers called in from abroad. At the same 
time, it has never been the aim to call in students desiring such 
instruction only, save for short courses of lectures ; but rather 
to prepare young men for the ministry by providing them with 
general culture supplemented by special studies. To these stu- 
dents, the leading tenets of the Disciples have been taught ; but 
all attempts to exercise over the body of the students a peculiar 
denominational injBluence have been carefully avoided. Before 
the latter the Biblical topics that are considered are such as these : 
The books of the Bible, their history, authority, characteristics, 
personages, etc. ISTor has the attention paid to these subjects 
been found to take from the ability of students to carry on their 
regular work. 

The original charter, which has never been changed in this 
particular, defines the object of the corporation to be '^the in- 
struction of youth of both sexes." In Hiram the experiment 
of co-education has been successful. The education of youth 
is no doubt somewhat disturbed by what may be called 
the sexual differentiation, as most human activities are for that 
matter ; but the disturbance is no more where they are thrown 
together in the same school than when they are taught apart. 
On the other hand, co-education is attended by some positive 
advantages. In Hiram, however, ladies generally choose one of 
the shorter courses of study. 

With the Centennial, the Institution whose history is given 
above enters on its second quarter century of life. It has sur- 
vived a severe struggle with poverty. No other school in the 
State, it is believed, has put money to better advantage, or done 
more good work with the same cash expenditure. Such of its 
founders as have survived this quarter of a century, feel that 
their anticipations have been more than realized. They wrought 
under a religious impulse, but in no party or sect spirit. The 
thousands of students who have flocked to the school that they 
founded — coming from all churches and from no church — are 
the best proof of the spirit that these founders breathed into 



16 

Hiram. In a late publication, the first Principal, speaking of 
its planting, says : " From this period the Institute has been 
before the eyes of the public, and its history is in the hearts of 
thousands of admiring students, who have from time to time 
enjoyed the benefits of its moral instruction and intellectual 
culture."* These students, scattered over the whole Union, are 
found in every walk of life, doing their share of the work of 
American society. This laborious and honorable history of a 
quarter of a century, is regarded as an element of power for the 
College's future work. 

* History of the Disciples in the Western Reserve, p. 266. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRSS 



r 

nli' 892 968 5 



\l^ 



